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Lambeth loses much loved Mayor

Lambeth Mayor, Cllr Mark Bennett, speaking at the Lambeth Country Show in Brockwell Park

Lambeth is in mourning today following the shock death of the borough’s much loved mayor, Councillor Mark Bennett.

Cllr Bennett, 44, who was first elected onto the council in October 2005 and represented the Streatham South ward, passed away in hospital this morning (Feb4). He is believed to have suffered a heart attack.

Cllr Lib Peck, Leader of Lambeth Council, said: “I am devastated to have lost someone who was not only a fantastic representative for the borough, but also a much loved and close personal friend.

“Mark was a very talented individual who went above and beyond for the people of his ward, and for the whole community.

“He loved being mayor, welcoming people to the borough and supporting great causes, such as his support for The Trussell Trust, which runs food banks across Lambeth. He was well known for his passion for history, often peppering his speeches with stories from the past.

“We will all miss him deeply.”

Cllr Bennett was a former Cabinet Office civil servant who served as an assistant to the Chief Press Secretary Alastair Campbell at Downing Street from 1997 to 2001 under Tony Blair.

He was a Labour councillor and Lambeth council Cabinet Member for more than 6-years before becoming mayor in March 2013. The openly gay councillor was a campaigner against hate crime, and took part in the 2013 London Gay pride Parade wearing his mayoral chains.

Details of Cllr Bennett’s funeral and memorial service will follow. A book of condolence for Cllr Bennett will be opened at Lambeth Town Hall.